Why do we need guidelines specific to ASEAN?
Why do we need guidelines specific to ASEAN?
Why do we need guidelines specific to ASEAN?
The primary purpose of the Guidelines is to promote investment in food, agriculture and forestry in the ASEAN region that contributes to regional economic development, food and nutrition security, food safety and equitable benefits, as well as the sustainable use of natural resources. Other objectives include:
Why do we need guidelines specific to ASEAN?
Why do we need guidelines specific to ASEAN?
Why do we need guidelines specific to ASEAN?
Why do we need guidelines specific to ASEAN?
Why do we need guidelines specific to ASEAN?
Why do we need guidelines specific to ASEAN?
Why do we need guidelines specific to ASEAN?
Investment in FAF is one of the most critical ways for ASEAN countries to provide employment and livelihoods, reduce poverty and improve food and nutrition security. However, there are a number of risks associated with private sector investment, particularly foreign investment.
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When done badly, private sector investment can exacerbate existing inequalities, undermine the livelihoods of smallholder farmers,indigenous peoples, and natural resources.
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But when done well, and integrated with the local economy, increased investment can help generate employment and promote economic development. All stakeholders have a role to play in ensuring positive outcomes, and each faces a unique yet interlocking set of risks and challenges.
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Investment in FAF creates challenges for AMS in the following six key areas:
Why do we need guidelines specific to ASEAN?
Why do we need guidelines specific to ASEAN?
Why do we need guidelines specific to ASEAN?
The primary purpose of the Guidelines is to promote investment in food, agriculture and forestry in the ASEAN region that contributes to regional economic development, food and nutrition security, food safety and equitable benefits, as well as the sustainable use of natural resources. Other objectives include:
The primary purpose of the Guidelines is to promote investment in food, agriculture and forestry in the ASEAN region that contributes to regional economic development, food and nutrition security, food safety and equitable benefits, as well as the sustainable use of natural resources. Other objectives include:
FAQs
Learn about the ASEAN RAI
Where can I download the Guidelines?
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​Visit our Resources page! You can download the full ASEAN RAI document (adopted by the ASEAN Ministers of Agriculture and Forestry in October 2018) in English or Lao as well as our summary brochures, available in English and 8 other ASEAN languages. . The full document will be translated into additional languages as funds and demand allows.
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Areas of Focus
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What activities are you currently doing in my country?
You can stay up to date on our activities at the country level by visiting our Events page, and by signing up for our newsletter (see sign-up form below and here). Be sure to follow Grow Asia on LinkedIn, where we post regularly about upcoming events and activities at the country level. If you want more detailed information, sign up for updates from our partner organizations in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and the Philippines or reach out to their staff directly. You can also email us directly to find out who else is working on the ASEAN RAI in your country.
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Which countries will you work in?
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What types of organizations should use the ASEAN RAI?
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The ASEAN RAI are relevant to any organization whose operations or areas of focus are aligned to responsible investment in food, agriculture or forestry supply chains. The ASEAN RAI provide guidance for policymakers (home and host states), private agribusiness investors, smallholders and SMEs, civil society organizations, communities, and financial sector actors. You can learn more about the specific roles for each organization type here.
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Getting Involved
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As an agribusiness, how do I know if our investments are considered “responsible”?
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First, visit our Resources page for our private sector tools section. Subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates on new tools, such as market analysis for sustainability-certified projects and how the ASEAN RAI aligns to your SDG targets. Then, register for our pilot Learning and Accreditation Program!
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How do you ensure communities are involved?
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To engage meaningfully with communities, farmer organizations and CSOs, we are partnering with regional organizations who work directly with these groups. We engage with these partners to embed inputs from those affected by investments into our programs. Community members will also be invited to participate in the Learning and Accreditation Program.
How can ASEAN Member States get involved?
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How can ASEAN Member States get involved?
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Through our close partnership with the ASEAN Secretariat (ASEC), we provide regular updates and opportunities to engage policymakers and public sector staff from all 10 ASEAN Member States (AMS). Communication occurs through formal letters and invitations, as well as during ASEAN Working Group meetings. ASEC also helps us identify demand from AMS for the Pillar 1 services and presents project information at the annual Senior Officials Meeting of the ASEAN Ministers of Agriculture (SOM-AMAF).
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How can my organization co-host about the ASEAN RAI?
We are always happy to co-host events with a focus on responsible investment in ASEAN’s food, agriculture and forestry sectors. Whether you’re an NGO, investor, or government official, get in touch with us to discuss how we can design an event together. You can read about our past events (many are co-hosted) here.
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Funding
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Who currently funds this project?
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i. This project is currently funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the Japanese-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF) and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). We welcome additional donors and partners to help reach the goals of our 10-year Action Plan.
ii. Partners across ASEAN are also supporting on the implementation of the ASEAN RAI Action Plan. Those partners include, but are not limited to:
Email us to let us know if you’d like to add your organization name to this list!
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How can my organization contribute in-kind or financial resources?
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Email us directly by reaching out to Erin Sweeney, Lead Sustainable Investment and Inclusion at Grow Asia, at erin@growasia.org.
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For more questions, contact us directly!